Time & Place
- Time: 1491 BC
- Location: Mount Sinai and the camp below, Wilderness of Sinai
- Setting: Moses on the mount receiving instruction; Israel encamped below
Where Are We in the Text?
- Instructions are given for additional furnishings and holy anointing items: altar of incense, laver, holy oil, and incense (Exod 30).
- God appoints Bezaleel and Aholiab for the work and reaffirms the Sabbath as a covenant sign (Exod 31:1–18).
- Israel makes the golden calf; covenant fellowship is broken and judgment follows (Exod 32).
Where Are We in Time?
- These events occur during Moses’ forty days and nights on Mount Sinai receiving divine instruction (Exod 24:18; 31:18).
- The apostasy of the golden calf takes place before the tabernacle is constructed and erected (Exod 32; 35–40).
- Only months have passed since Israel departed Egypt and arrived at Sinai (Exod 12:40–41; 19:1).
Where Are We on the Map?
- Mount Sinai: Location of divine revelation and covenant instruction (Exod 24:12–18; 30–31).
- Israelite camp: Site of idolatry and intercession during Moses’ absence (Exod 32:1–6).
Where Are We in God’s Program? (Dispensational)
- The Mosaic system of worship is being revealed but not yet implemented (Exod 25–31).
- Israel violates covenant responsibility before the covenant is fully administered (Exod 32:7–10).
- Intercession by Moses preserves the nation under the Abrahamic promises (Exod 32:11–14; Gen 15:13–14).
Why This Matters
- God defines holy worship prior to its practice (Exod 30–31).
- Human impatience and unbelief lead to idolatry in the absence of visible leadership (Exod 32:1).
- Mediation and intercession are shown to be necessary for national preservation (Exod 32:30–32).
How This Reading Relates to What Follows
- Covenant relationship will be addressed and restored (Exod 33–34).
- Tabernacle construction will proceed according to the revealed pattern (Exod 35–40).
Summary Orientation
- God reveals the final elements of tabernacle worship.
- Israel breaks covenant fellowship through idolatry.
- Intercession prevents national destruction and prepares the way for restoration.